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Add to SafariWhen comparing 7-Zip vs FreeCommander, the Slant community recommends FreeCommander for most people. In the question“What are the best free file managers for Microsoft Windows?” FreeCommander is ranked 3rd while 7-Zip is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose FreeCommander is:
Makes normal file operations (like move & copy) easy.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Free and open source
7-Zip is licensed under GNU LGPL, and the *.7z format has support across all major operating systems. There should be no trouble opening the archives under any operating system, and no need to deal with messages bugging you to register or pay for the app. Source code can be found here.
Pro High compression .7z format
Their own file format .7z that ships with 7-Zip is one of the best compression formats. 7z file format is usually more compact than Zip.
Pro Lightweight
Starts quickly.
Pro Explorer right-click menu integration
Makes it easy to open any archive file, or create new archives, without having to go open another program first.
Pro Very fast compression/decompression
7z is muli-threaded, allowing it to do very fast compression and decompression.
Pro Unobtrusive
No nag screen.
Pro 2 Pane Layout
Makes normal file operations (like move & copy) easy.
Pro Quick Navigation
Commonly used folders can be added and accessed using the favorites list -- in addition, physical and network drives can be switched to with a single click.
Pro Very powerful Multirename tool
Pro Has a portable version
Because it's portable, you can easily move the folder with all your files to other devices.
Pro Powerful search feature
FreeCommander provides a search functionality that allows you to filter out results.
Pro Very powerful set of file copying options
FreeCommander has a very powerful set of file copying options.
Pro Very usable and reliable Sync tool
Pro Shows folder file size
In Details mode you can turn on Folder Data file size.
Pro Keyboard shortcuts
Has a good set of keyboard shortcuts enabled by default
Pro Interface highly customizable, native Dark Mode, stable, very accessible primary functionality, very frequent updates
Simple 1-click buttons to toggle views, enable or disable visual filter, etc. Very simple instant filtering. The folder syncing is as good as "GoodSync".
Pro Excellent file manager with lots of hotkeys
Also file search, filter and multi file rename functionalities.
Cons
Con GUI looks dated
Could use a new fresh user interface.
Con XZ/LZMA2 format inadequate for long-term archiving
LZMA2 is unsafe and less efficient than the original LZMA. Use: 7Z LZMA Non-Solid, RAR 5 LZSS/PPMd Non-Solid, or ZIP Deflate. See here.
Con Does not support data recovery
It's not possible with 7-zip to add data recovery records to the archive which could repair minor integrity errors.
Con It's easy to delete important stuff by accident
When you want to delete something, it will often highlight both a file and its folder. The whole folder is then removed if you don't de-select the folder manually.
Con Only the 32-bit version is free
You have to make a donation to be able to download the 64-bit version.
Con Cluttered and dated UI
The user interface has an outdated look, with a lot of button and menu options that can be overwhelming.
Con Unable to replace default file explorer
Con Buggy
Good facilities overall, but there's a bug that makes menus freeze and get stuck on the page.
